Panathinaikos and Rafa Benitez are headed for a divorce

Benitez will leave his position as head coach of Panathinaikos at the end of the season

The final titles in the collaboration between Panathinaikos and Rafa Benitez seem to have already been written, with the curtain scheduled to fall after the completion of the playoffs of the Greek championship. This is a mature and already made decision, which will be difficult to overturn in the remaining time. However, for the "clover" it is important to manage this separation in a civilized and dignified manner; both as a sign of recognition to the Spanish coach for his six-month presence, and to avoid tensions that could cast shadows on the relationship between the two sides.

Despite the absence of substantial goals in the remaining games, after the defeat by Olympiacos at Leoforos, the management shows no intention of rushing things. On the contrary, it wishes to maintain balance until the end of the season, with Benitez remaining on the bench until the end of the competitive journey. Choosing an early departure and appointing a caretaker coach would serve no purpose at this juncture.

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The situation is markedly different from that of the spring of 2024, when the collaboration with Fatih Terim was interrupted under the pressure of critical competition obligations, against the backdrop of the Cup final against Aris. At this stage, there is no corresponding stake, which allows for a smoother and more methodical transition.

At the same time, the “greens” have already turned their attention to the next day, with planning for the new coach underway, under the guidance of the Italian technical director, Baldini. The issue that will dominate after the playoffs is, inevitably, the financial aspect of the solution to the collaboration.

The agreement signed between the two parties includes significant commitments. In addition to the current season's earnings (which exceed 2.5 million euros) it is envisaged that in the event of an early termination, Benitez will be entitled to the entire salary of the following season, an amount exceeding 3.5 million euros. Added to this is a bilateral compensation clause of 1 million euros, which is activated for whichever side chooses to withdraw from the agreement early.

As Panathinaikos is the one moving towards the termination of the collaboration, the total cost is estimated to approach 4.5 million euros. An amount that makes the need for careful handling even more imperative, so that the "divorce" is completed in terms of balance and mutual respect.